Exactly that huh Zoue? But when Hamilton get along well personally with Bottas it's because he prefers ''an easy'' teammate? Also Hamilton doesn't demand to have a veto in his contract which Vettel is widely rumored to have.Vettel ran away from RB when Ricciardo dominated him, I'm yet to see Hamilton running away for the same reason.

Edit: Also Hamilton has said on a number of occasions that he would welcome anyone and that he likes a challenge.

I'm sure Hamilton does prefer an "easy" team mate, just as I'm sure Vettel does. But that's not the same as saying either would be scared of one who was more closely matched. As already pointed out, an easier team mate likely means more resources focused on the "main" driver, so it's simply common sense to want that. Fear doesn't come into it.

As far as I can tell, the biggest source for Vettel having a veto in his contract appears to be Hamilton, since he's mentioned it more than once. It appears to carry more weight than Vettel's denial with some.

Hamilton, also in Wednesday’s press conference in Monaco, poured cold water on the mere suggestion: “He has a veto so that wouldn’t happen.”

Vettel replied: “I don’t. I wouldn’t mind. Obviously, to be completely honest, I’m very happy with the relationship I have with Kimi.”

It's funny how in this forum rumours appear to be interchangeable with fact among certain supporters.

As for Hamilton saying he likes a challenge; so what? Vettel has also said he'd welcome Ricciardo to Ferrari, and this is the guy who beat him last time they were together. How much more of a guaranteed challenge can you get?

Bottom line is there's no evidence either driver is afraid of the other and I think if you claim that then you're simply projecting.

I don't see Leclerc going to Ferrari so soon. They basically never sign unproven youngsters like him. I think he's destined to take Grossjean's seat next year at Haas and will have a couple of years there to audition for the Ferrari seat.

With regards to Mercedes, I think the most likely scenario is that both Hamilton and Bottas re-sign with Mercedes to finish out this technical era. They will want to continue building on what they have and not have to start over with anyone. With the amount of success that they've had, they will have no impetus to shake things up; especially if they manage to win the titles again this year. If Mercedes replace Bottas with Ricciardo, I think the most likely destination for Bottas might actually be Ferrari to replace Kimi.

I also have this weird feeling that it's possible that Hamilton to Ferrari might actually happen. It's mostly just a gut feeling but every now and then you hear rumors that suggest that this is what Lewis wants to do. It seems far-fetched and unlikely but I can see potentially Lewis and Seb at Ferrari next year with Dan and Valteri at Mercedes. As for the possibility of Seb vs Daniel at Ferrari; it makes sense to me but I'm not so sure it will happen. Again, it's just a hunch but it seems to me that Ferrari are committed to Vettel for at least two more years and they might not want to do anything to unsettle the dynamic.

Rubbish. Hamilton is the only driver on the grid who really doesn't care who his teammate is and who is the only driver who accepts any challenge going up against the best.

He hasn't gone up against an elite driver since Alonso, so I'd say there's very little evidence of this.

How many elite drivers do you think they are, plus both Ferrari and Red Bull seats were not available for him.

Sure, I'm not saying there's evidence he has tried to avoid a competative teammate but I'm not claiming he has.

I'm saying there's no evidence that he is willing to go up against anyone, which was the claim being made.

He doesn't want to go up against Alonso because of what he experienced in 2007, apart from that I'm not sure he particularly cares, it seems that he would love to go up against Vettel, as for Ricciardo and Verstappen neither are political drivers so that might not bother him either?

Tbf on the basis of this year I couldnt argue too much with a decision to keep Kimi. If he can perform at his current level going into next year I think they would struggle to find a significant upgrade.

Another thing if Charles Leclerc goes to Haas where does Grosjean go? because does Kevin Magnussen have a contract for next year and his race performances so far this season be enough to keep him board? (with has) unless Ferrari and Sauber do a deal where the latter buys Ferrari parts?

Another thing if Charles Leclerc goes to Haas where does Grosjean go? because does Kevin Magnussen have a contract for next year and his race performances so far this season be enough to keep him board? (with has) unless Ferrari and Sauber do a deal where the latter buys Ferrari parts?

I don't believe it will happen. But I am rooting for Hamilton going to Ferrari alongside Vettel. That would be a dream for racing fans!

I think that is a no go on several fronts. Ferrari has traditionally backed a lead driver and a sub.Lewis and Seb would take too many points off each other and a consistent finisher, allied with a couple of mishaps to both Ferraris is more than likely to sneak the title from them.

Also, until the new engine rules I still see the Mercedes being the best car, and come the new rules, if Red Bull has a pick from good engines, they can easily be above Ferrari even if Mercedes are not. If they are, Ferrari do not look so hot. There is also the Mclarens lurking and waiting to 'get back on form'.

I really can not see any benefit to either Lewis moving or Seb getting points nicked or Ferrari changing their stance.

If Seb was to depart however, and Lewis thought he could become the catalyst, as MS did...What is that nice Mr Newey doing these days? is he up for a change?

Another thing if Charles Leclerc goes to Haas where does Grosjean go? because does Kevin Magnussen have a contract for next year and his race performances so far this season be enough to keep him board? (with has) unless Ferrari and Sauber do a deal where the latter buys Ferrari parts?

I don't believe it will happen. But I am rooting for Hamilton going to Ferrari alongside Vettel. That would be a dream for racing fans!

But somewhat disloyal to Mercedes.

I don't think so. No more so than leaving the team who gave him his big break in the first place (and no, I don't think he was disloyal to McLaren, just putting it into context), or Vettel being disloyal to Red Bull. Sometimes drivers want new challenges and there has always been something magical about Ferrari that most drivers want it on their CV.

I also doubt Mercedes, or anyone, would begrudge Lewis wanting to go for titles with three different teams

I don't believe it will happen. But I am rooting for Hamilton going to Ferrari alongside Vettel. That would be a dream for racing fans!

But somewhat disloyal to Mercedes.

I don't think so. No more so than leaving the team who gave him his big break in the first place (and no, I don't think he was disloyal to McLaren, just putting it into context), or Vettel being disloyal to Red Bull. Sometimes drivers want new challenges and there has always been something magical about Ferrari that most drivers want it on their CV.

I also doubt Mercedes, or anyone, would begrudge Lewis wanting to go for titles with three different teams

Yes hardly disloyal. Especially as it's the end of his contract. He's not trying to break an agreement.

I can see the appeal from Hamilton's side. I think he genuinely believes he is quite a bit better than Vettel and knows that beating him to a WDC in a Ferrari would do wonders for his legacy in the sport. Winning for Ferrari does mean more than for any other team it just does. Hamilton has a large collection of Ferrari's himself so we know he feels connected to the brand and it's well documented his idol wanted to end his career in a Ferrari.

If he stays at Mercedes he could rack up another couple of titles but I don't think it would change peoples rating of him. He'd be regarded as one of the top talents of the era and probably in the top 10 of all time but just out of the GOAT conversation. If he goes to Ferrari, beats Vettel and becomes the only driver in the modern era to win a WDC with three teams, including one for Ferrari and beats the other era defining talent in doing so then I think that would, for a lot of people propel him into the GOAT conversation.

Ricciardo would have to have a cast iron seat at Merc or Ferrari to make leaving Redbull anything other than temporary career suicide.I suspect that Red Bull will give him a very competitive new offer after the recent Verstappen wobble. He won't be an outright number one anywhere barring dropping into the also ran teams.

Hamilton to Ferrari is super unlikely. It would inevitably be taken as a sign that Ferrari have lost faith in Vettel which would be ludicrous.

Ricciardo would be wise to avoid gambling on Mclaren. They are incredible at making excuses, not so incredible at making fast cars anymore. The works Renault team are still a few seasons away. Nothing else has anything better than mid grid potential.

I don't believe it will happen. But I am rooting for Hamilton going to Ferrari alongside Vettel. That would be a dream for racing fans!

But somewhat disloyal to Mercedes.

I don't think so. No more so than leaving the team who gave him his big break in the first place (and no, I don't think he was disloyal to McLaren, just putting it into context), or Vettel being disloyal to Red Bull. Sometimes drivers want new challenges and there has always been something magical about Ferrari that most drivers want it on their CV.

I also doubt Mercedes, or anyone, would begrudge Lewis wanting to go for titles with three different teams

Well disloyal after he has already told them that he is not talking to other teams.

I don't believe it will happen. But I am rooting for Hamilton going to Ferrari alongside Vettel. That would be a dream for racing fans!

But somewhat disloyal to Mercedes.

I don't think so. No more so than leaving the team who gave him his big break in the first place (and no, I don't think he was disloyal to McLaren, just putting it into context), or Vettel being disloyal to Red Bull. Sometimes drivers want new challenges and there has always been something magical about Ferrari that most drivers want it on their CV.

I also doubt Mercedes, or anyone, would begrudge Lewis wanting to go for titles with three different teams

Yes hardly disloyal. Especially as it's the end of his contract. He's not trying to break an agreement.

I can see the appeal from Hamilton's side. I think he genuinely believes he is quite a bit better than Vettel and knows that beating him to a WDC in a Ferrari would do wonders for his legacy in the sport. Winning for Ferrari does mean more than for any other team it just does. Hamilton has a large collection of Ferrari's himself so we know he feels connected to the brand and it's well documented his idol wanted to end his career in a Ferrari.

If he stays at Mercedes he could rack up another couple of titles but I don't think it would change peoples rating of him. He'd be regarded as one of the top talents of the era and probably in the top 10 of all time but just out of the GOAT conversation. If he goes to Ferrari, beats Vettel and becomes the only driver in the modern era to win a WDC with three teams, including one for Ferrari and beats the other era defining talent in doing so then I think that would, for a lot of people propel him into the GOAT conversation.

With regards to going to Ferrari they are not going to pair Hamilton with Vettel.

I don't believe it will happen. But I am rooting for Hamilton going to Ferrari alongside Vettel. That would be a dream for racing fans!

But somewhat disloyal to Mercedes.

I don't think so. No more so than leaving the team who gave him his big break in the first place (and no, I don't think he was disloyal to McLaren, just putting it into context), or Vettel being disloyal to Red Bull. Sometimes drivers want new challenges and there has always been something magical about Ferrari that most drivers want it on their CV.

I also doubt Mercedes, or anyone, would begrudge Lewis wanting to go for titles with three different teams

Yes hardly disloyal. Especially as it's the end of his contract. He's not trying to break an agreement.

I can see the appeal from Hamilton's side. I think he genuinely believes he is quite a bit better than Vettel and knows that beating him to a WDC in a Ferrari would do wonders for his legacy in the sport. Winning for Ferrari does mean more than for any other team it just does. Hamilton has a large collection of Ferrari's himself so we know he feels connected to the brand and it's well documented his idol wanted to end his career in a Ferrari.

If he stays at Mercedes he could rack up another couple of titles but I don't think it would change peoples rating of him. He'd be regarded as one of the top talents of the era and probably in the top 10 of all time but just out of the GOAT conversation. If he goes to Ferrari, beats Vettel and becomes the only driver in the modern era to win a WDC with three teams, including one for Ferrari and beats the other era defining talent in doing so then I think that would, for a lot of people propel him into the GOAT conversation.

With regards to going to Ferrari they are not going to pair Hamilton with Vettel.

I don't think so. No more so than leaving the team who gave him his big break in the first place (and no, I don't think he was disloyal to McLaren, just putting it into context), or Vettel being disloyal to Red Bull. Sometimes drivers want new challenges and there has always been something magical about Ferrari that most drivers want it on their CV.

I also doubt Mercedes, or anyone, would begrudge Lewis wanting to go for titles with three different teams

Yes hardly disloyal. Especially as it's the end of his contract. He's not trying to break an agreement.

I can see the appeal from Hamilton's side. I think he genuinely believes he is quite a bit better than Vettel and knows that beating him to a WDC in a Ferrari would do wonders for his legacy in the sport. Winning for Ferrari does mean more than for any other team it just does. Hamilton has a large collection of Ferrari's himself so we know he feels connected to the brand and it's well documented his idol wanted to end his career in a Ferrari.

If he stays at Mercedes he could rack up another couple of titles but I don't think it would change peoples rating of him. He'd be regarded as one of the top talents of the era and probably in the top 10 of all time but just out of the GOAT conversation. If he goes to Ferrari, beats Vettel and becomes the only driver in the modern era to win a WDC with three teams, including one for Ferrari and beats the other era defining talent in doing so then I think that would, for a lot of people propel him into the GOAT conversation.

With regards to going to Ferrari they are not going to pair Hamilton with Vettel.

It's unlikely but not really relevant to anything I was saying there.

It's relevant that Hamilton knows this as well hence why he's always so keen to say that Vettel has a veto, and that's one reason he has given a verbal commitment to Mercedes.

Regarding Vettel himself I don't believe he wants to partner Hamilton so that part of Hamilton proving himself I believe will not happen, if eventually Hamilton goes to Ferrari then expect to see Vettel in a Mercedes.

I don't believe it will happen. But I am rooting for Hamilton going to Ferrari alongside Vettel. That would be a dream for racing fans!

But somewhat disloyal to Mercedes.

I don't think so. No more so than leaving the team who gave him his big break in the first place (and no, I don't think he was disloyal to McLaren, just putting it into context), or Vettel being disloyal to Red Bull. Sometimes drivers want new challenges and there has always been something magical about Ferrari that most drivers want it on their CV.

I also doubt Mercedes, or anyone, would begrudge Lewis wanting to go for titles with three different teams

Well disloyal after he has already told them that he is not talking to other teams.

It wouldn't be sensible for him not to, tbh. It's all part of the negotiations. They still havre to agree terms, remember

I don't think so. No more so than leaving the team who gave him his big break in the first place (and no, I don't think he was disloyal to McLaren, just putting it into context), or Vettel being disloyal to Red Bull. Sometimes drivers want new challenges and there has always been something magical about Ferrari that most drivers want it on their CV.

I also doubt Mercedes, or anyone, would begrudge Lewis wanting to go for titles with three different teams

Yes hardly disloyal. Especially as it's the end of his contract. He's not trying to break an agreement.

I can see the appeal from Hamilton's side. I think he genuinely believes he is quite a bit better than Vettel and knows that beating him to a WDC in a Ferrari would do wonders for his legacy in the sport. Winning for Ferrari does mean more than for any other team it just does. Hamilton has a large collection of Ferrari's himself so we know he feels connected to the brand and it's well documented his idol wanted to end his career in a Ferrari.

If he stays at Mercedes he could rack up another couple of titles but I don't think it would change peoples rating of him. He'd be regarded as one of the top talents of the era and probably in the top 10 of all time but just out of the GOAT conversation. If he goes to Ferrari, beats Vettel and becomes the only driver in the modern era to win a WDC with three teams, including one for Ferrari and beats the other era defining talent in doing so then I think that would, for a lot of people propel him into the GOAT conversation.

With regards to going to Ferrari they are not going to pair Hamilton with Vettel.

It's unlikely but not really relevant to anything I was saying there.

It's relevant that Hamilton knows this as well hence why he's always so keen to say that Vettel has a veto, and that's one reason he has given a verbal commitment to Mercedes.

Regarding Vettel himself I don't believe he wants to partner Hamilton so that part of Hamilton proving himself I believe will not happen, if eventually Hamilton goes to Ferrari then expect to see Vettel in a Mercedes.

He's keen to say it because he knows it's impossible to prove since the only way to do so would be to publish Vettel's contract, which isn't going to happen. It's just one of his mind games to make it look like he'd be up for it but the other driver would be afraid

I don't believe it will happen. But I am rooting for Hamilton going to Ferrari alongside Vettel. That would be a dream for racing fans!

But somewhat disloyal to Mercedes.

I don't think so. No more so than leaving the team who gave him his big break in the first place (and no, I don't think he was disloyal to McLaren, just putting it into context), or Vettel being disloyal to Red Bull. Sometimes drivers want new challenges and there has always been something magical about Ferrari that most drivers want it on their CV.

I also doubt Mercedes, or anyone, would begrudge Lewis wanting to go for titles with three different teams

Well disloyal after he has already told them that he is not talking to other teams.

It wouldn't be sensible for him not to, tbh. It's all part of the negotiations. They still havre to agree terms, remember

No I believe that's the case likewise Mercedes aren't looking for a replacement for Hamilton.

Yes hardly disloyal. Especially as it's the end of his contract. He's not trying to break an agreement.

I can see the appeal from Hamilton's side. I think he genuinely believes he is quite a bit better than Vettel and knows that beating him to a WDC in a Ferrari would do wonders for his legacy in the sport. Winning for Ferrari does mean more than for any other team it just does. Hamilton has a large collection of Ferrari's himself so we know he feels connected to the brand and it's well documented his idol wanted to end his career in a Ferrari.

If he stays at Mercedes he could rack up another couple of titles but I don't think it would change peoples rating of him. He'd be regarded as one of the top talents of the era and probably in the top 10 of all time but just out of the GOAT conversation. If he goes to Ferrari, beats Vettel and becomes the only driver in the modern era to win a WDC with three teams, including one for Ferrari and beats the other era defining talent in doing so then I think that would, for a lot of people propel him into the GOAT conversation.

With regards to going to Ferrari they are not going to pair Hamilton with Vettel.

It's unlikely but not really relevant to anything I was saying there.

It's relevant that Hamilton knows this as well hence why he's always so keen to say that Vettel has a veto, and that's one reason he has given a verbal commitment to Mercedes.

Regarding Vettel himself I don't believe he wants to partner Hamilton so that part of Hamilton proving himself I believe will not happen, if eventually Hamilton goes to Ferrari then expect to see Vettel in a Mercedes.

He's keen to say it because he knows it's impossible to prove since the only way to do so would be to publish Vettel's contract, which isn't going to happen. It's just one of his mind games to make it look like he'd be up for it but the other driver would be afraid

I know after Baku last year that Marchionne wasn't very happy with Vettel and I saw a quote brought forward from him were he said that if Vettel didn't calm down then they would have to sign someone like Ricciardo for the team so that sounds to me they would only consider someone like Hamilton only if they lost confidence in Vettel.